Disproportionation process

ABSTRACT

An improved process for the disproportionation of olefins results by contacting said olefins in the presence of a catalyst prepared by reacting a Group VIB metal carbonyl complex having the general formula LaMb(CO)c wherein L is selected from the group consisting of CO, R3Q, R3QO, (RO)3Q, RNH2, R2NH, RCN, R2SO, R2N-CN, R3P N-CN, R3P NH, R3P CH-CH3, R2Q-QR2, R2Q-R2-QR2, R2QR2-QR-R2-QR2, R-Z-R2-Z-R, R-Z-R2-Z-R2-Z-R

tates Patent [191 Aug. 27, 1974 I DISPROPORTIONATION PROCESS [75] Inventor: Helmut W. Ruhle, Edison, NJ.

[73] Assignee: Esso Research and Engineering Company, Linden, NJ.

[22] Filed: May 10, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 252,128

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 886,766, Dec. 19, 1969, Pat, No.

[52] US. Cl...... 260/683 11), 260/654 R, 260/666 A, 260/668 R, 260/677 R, 260/680 R Primary Examiner-Delbert E. Gantz Assistant Examiner-C. E. Spresser Attorney, Agent, or FirmRobert J. Baran [57] ABSTRACT An improved process for the disproportionation of olefins results by contacting said olefins in the presence of a catalyst prepared by reacting a Group VIB metal carbonyl complex having the general formula L,,M,,(CO) wherein L is selected from the group consisting of CO, R 0, R QO, (RO) Q, RNl-I R Nl-l, RCN, R 50, R N-CN, R P=N-CN, R P=NH, R3P=CHCH3, R2Q QR2, 2Q 2a R2Q R QRR QR RZR ZR, RZR- ---Z-R Z-R wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of N, P, As and Sb; Z is selected from the group consisting of O and S; X is selected from the group consisting of NR Ol-I, OR and R; R is selected from the group consisting of C to C hydrocarbyl and hydrogen radicals; and R is selected from the group consisting of divalent C to C hydrocarbyl radicals; n is an integer of from 0 to 2; M is a Group VI-B metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mo and W; a may vary from 1 to 4; b may vary from l to 2; and c may vary from 2 to 10, with an ionic compound, said ionic compound being selected from the group consisting of compounds having the general formula R OX', '3 4 d 4d) 3 d 4d), mixtures of R' Q'X or R 2X with AlR X and mixtures thereof wherein R is selected from the group consisting of C 1 to C hydrocarbyl radicals and halogenated derivatives thereof, Q is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorous and arsenic, Z is selected from the group consisting of oxygen and sulfur, X is halogen and d may vary from O to 3, and said ionic compound being at least partially soluble in said solvent and an activator, said activator comprising an organometallic derivative selected from the group consisting of compounds having the general formula R A1X a mixture of the above compound with a compound having the general formula Al X' a compound of the general formula R,MX' a mixture of one of several compounds having a formula R'QM'X, with one of the various compounds having the formula R" A1X' and AlX wherein R" is 1 selected from the group consisting of C C hydrocarbyl radicals and the alkoxy and halo derivatives thereof, M is a metal selected from Groups I through III of the Periodic Table of Elements, X is halogen, e is equal to 1 or 2, f is an integer between 1 and 3, and g is 0, l or 2, the atomic ratios of the metal in said activator to the metal in said metallic complex being from about 20:1 to 1:1, the molar ratio of Cr, M0 or W of said metallic complex to ionic compound being from about 10:1 to 0.121, and the molar ratio of said Group l-III metal of said activator to ionic compound being from about 40:1 to 15:1.

15 Claims, N0 Drawings DISPROPORTIONATION PROCESS SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This is a di ision o application 5 According to this invention, it has unexpectedly been filed Dec. 19, 1969, now US. Pat. No. 3,668,146. found that Group Vl-B metal carbonyl complexes of 5 the general formula L,,M,,(CO) when contacted BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION within a solution with two other elements, an ionic hal- This invention relates to a novel process for producide which is at least partially soluble in the reaction ing a unique catalyst, said catalyst being especially efmixture and an organometallic derivative, preferably a fective for the disproportionation of l fi halide, form a unique catalyst which is especially effec' The disproportionation of olefins refers to those re- 10 tive for fin disproportionation. In the carbonyl comactions in which one or more olefinic compounds are pl L is a ligand, M iS a Group Vl-B metal, a may vary transformed into other olefins usually having different from 1 t0 b m y vary from 1 t0 2, and C may vary molecular weights. The reaction can be regarded as from 2 to 10. The final component is an organometallic consistin f th bre ki f th d bl b d f h derivative which serves as an activator for the catalyst. reacting olefins and the recombination of the resulting The metallic element of the Organometallic derivative fragments in such a manner that new olefmic products is SeleCted from Groups I through of the Periodic will res lt, Table and more preferably is selected from Groups I-A,

In the past a variety of catalysts hadbeen known for Or III-A 0f e odic Table. this purpose. Typical of such catalysts is a catalyst com- The Contacting between r p etal prising a VIB metal complex represented by the forar nyl, the iOniC halid, and orgflnomemula [(L),, M,,Z wherein each (L) is a CO, R Q, tallic derivative may take place at temperatures which R QO, P Q-QR or R (COO),, ligand, each Z is a halorange from below ambient to elevated, and pressures gen or CN, SCN, OCN, SaCl radical; M is Mo, W, which would vary from subatmospheric to superatmos- M00, M00 W0, W0 preferably M0 or W;Qis phospheric. In a preferred embodiment, the catalyst is phorous, arsenic, or antimony; a is 1-6, b is l-2, generformed at ambient conditions. The contacting must ally I, c is 0-5, and the number of (L) and Z groups take place in a solvent, preferably an inert solvent; the present in the complex is not greater than the number reacting olefin may serve as a solvent in the event that required for the metal to achieve the closed snell electhe catalyst is to be utilized for olefin disproportiontronic configuration of the next higher atomic number ation. I inert gas; x is a number, generally 1, representing the In more detail, the instant invention pertains to a polymeric state of the complex; R is an aromatic or satnovel catalyst, means for preparing said catalyst, and urated aliphatic hydrocarbon radical, including alkoxy the use of said catalyst in the disproportionation of oleand halo derivatives thereof, having up to 20 carbon fins. atoms; m is 1 or 2; R 2 is an aromatic, saturated ali- To produce the homogeneous catalyst of the instant phatic, or ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon radiinvention, one must combine three components. The cal having up to 30 carbon atoms, R being monovalent first component is a Group VI-B metal carbonyl comwhen m is 1 and divalent when m is 2; with an organoplex which has the formula L M (CO) In the above metallic reducing agent. formula L is a monoor polydentate ligand; M is chromium, molybdenum or tungsten, preferably molybde- Variations on the above catalyst are also known in 40 num; a may vary from 1 to 4; b from 1 to 2; and c from which Group VII metals are utilized as well as Group 2 to 10. Typical examples of compounds suitable as Ii- VlIl metals. Although these catalysts have proven to be gand L are. the following: CO, R Q, R QO, (RO) Q, somewhat successful in the disproportionation of ole- RNH R Nl-l, RCN, R 50, R N-CN, R P N-cN, fins their acceptance has been hindered somewhat by R P=Nl-I, R P=CH-Cl-I R QQR R QR QR the great expense associated with their production. In R QR QR-R QR RZR Z-R, addition, many of these catalysts have not shown great RZR Z-R -ZR activity particularly at lower temperatures, i.e., temper- R equals alkyl, alkenyl, alicyclic, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl atures in the range of 25 to 40C. or hydrogen, preferably C through C alkyl, C

Heterogeneous catalysts which have been utilized for through C alkenyl, C through C cycloalkyl or cyolefin disproportionation in the past have had only limcloalkenyl, C through C aryl and C, through C aryl ited success as indicated by their relatively low activiand C through C aralkyl and alkaryl.

ties and selectivities and the requirement that the reac- R equals divalent alkyl, alkenyl, alicyclic, aryl, araltions must be carried out in the vapor state. kyl or alkenyl, preferably C through C alkyl, C to C alkenyl, C through C cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl, C through C aryl and C through C aralkyl and aralkenyl Preferred ligands which may be utilized are as follows: CO, Nl-l hydrazine, phenylhydrazine, cyclohexylamine, n-butylamine, dimethylamine, aniline, diethylamine, pyridine, 2,6-dimethylpyridine, triphenylarsine, tributylstibine, triphenylstibine, dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylcyanamide, N-cyano-piperidine, triphenylphosphine imine, ethylenediamine, tetramethylethylenediamine, 2,2-dipyridyl, phenanthroline, 2,7-dimethyl-1,8-naphthyridine, diacetyl dihydrazone, dibenzoyl dihydrazone, diacetyl dianil, piperidine, piperazine, acetonitrile, pripionitrile, acrylonitrile, triphenylphosphine, triphenylphosphine oxide, triphenyl phosphite, tricyclohexylphosphine, 15

triphenylarsine, tri(p-tolyl)arsine, diacetyl dioxime, diacetyl dioxime dimethyl ether, diacetyl bis(phenylhydrazone) dimethoxyethane, 3,6-dithiaoctane, tetramethyldiphosphine, l,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, l,2-bis(diphenylarsino)ethane, O-phenylene dimethylarsine), diethylenetriamine, bis(2- methoxyethyl) ether, 2,5,8-trithianonane, tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl) ethane, tetrakis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)methane, etc.

Specific examples of the metallic carbonyl complex L M,,(CO) are as follows: Cr(CO) Mo(CO) W(CO) NH Mo(CO) cyclohexylamine Mo(CO) hydrazine Mo(CO) ethylenediamine Mo(CO) acetonitrile Mo(CO) pyridine Mo(CO) piperazine Mo (CO) piperidine Mo(CO) tetramethyldiphosphine Mo (CO) triphenylphosphine Mo(CO) triphenylphosphine oxide Mo(CO) dimethyl cyanamide Mo(CO) (pyridine) Mo(CO) (acetonitri1e) Mo(- CO) (triphenylphosphineh Mo(CO) (triphenylphosphine oxide) Mo(CO).,, ethylenediamine Mo(- bis(- 20 (aniline) Mo(CO) an ionic compound, preferably an ionic halide that is at 5 least partially soluble in the reaction mixture under reaction conditions, and is selected from the group consisting of compounds having the general formula '4Q' 'a '4Q')( '.1 '4-d) with AlR' X compounds or mixtures of any of the above compounds wherein R is a C -C hydrocarbyl radical preferably an aryl or aliphatic radical selected from the group consisting of C through C aryl radi- 6O cals, C 1 through C alkyl radicals, C through C cycloalkyl radicals, C through C alkenyl radicals, C through C cycloalkenyl radicals and halogenated derivatives thereof. Q is nitrogen, phosphorus or arsenic, Z is oxygen or sulfur; and Q and Z may also be incorporated into a saturated, unsaturated or aromatic ring system, e.g., as in pyridinium salts; X is halogen, preferably chlorine; and d may vary from 0 to 3. Specific examples of the second component which are preferred are as follows:

tetra-n-butylammonium chloride, tetra-npropylammonium chloride, tetra-n-butylammonium bromide, tri-n-propylphenylammonium chloride, N- dihexylpiperidinium chloride, N-octylpyridinium chloride, N-dibutylcyclohexylammonium chloride, tetra-nbutylphosphonium chloride, tetraphenylphosphonium chloride, tetraphenylarsonium chloride, tri-nbutyloxonium chloride, tetra-n-butylammonium mcthyltrichloroaluminate, tetra-n-butylammonium dimethyldichloroaluminate, tetra-n-propylammonium diethyldichloroaluminate, tri-n-butyloxonium dimethyldichloroaluminate and mixtures thereof.

The third component is an activating agent and it may be selected from many different activating agents including compounds of the general formula R AlX' a mixture of the above compound with a compound having the general formula AlX' a compound of the general formula R",M'X' a mixture of one of several compounds having a formula R",MX

with one of the various compounds having the formula R" AlX and/or AlX' wherein R" is a C C hydrocarbyl radical preferably selected from the group consisting of C -C aromatics, C -C alkyl, C C alkenyl, Cg-Czo cycloalkenyl, C -C cycloalkyl radicals, most preferably C -C alkyl, C -C alkenyl, C C aryl, C -C cycloalkyl and cycloalkenyl. The alkoxy and halo derivatives thereof may also be utilized. M is a metal selected from Groups I through III of the Periodic Table of Elements as published in The Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, Chemical Rubber Company, 47th Edition (1966), preferably Groups l-A, lI-A, lI-B or Ill-A; X is halogen, preferably chlorine; e is equal to 1 or 2; f is an integer between 1 and 3; and g is 0, l or 2. Typical examples of preferred compounds having the formula R",,AlX' and AlX' are methylaluminum dichloride, dimethylaluminum chloride, methylaluminum sesquichloride, ethylaluminum dichloride, ethylaluminum sesquichloride,- aluminum trichloride, aluminum tribromide, methylaluminum sesquibromide, phenylaluminum dichloride, 3- ethoxypropylaluminum dichloride and eicosylaluminum sesquichloride.

Examples of the compounds having the general formula R";MX,, are as follows: methylsodium, phenyllithium, n-butyllithium, diethylzinc, diethylmagnesium, ethylmagnesium bromide, triethylaluminum, triisobutylaluminum, triphenylaluminum methyl cadmium chloride, dicyclohexylmercury, triethylindium, triisopropylthallium, dimethylcalcium, phenylmercurychloride, diisopropylboron chloride and phenylboron dichloride.

None of the three individual components of the instant catalyst would individually show catalytic activity for the disproportionation of olefms. A mixture of the second and third component is catalytically inactive, too. A mixture of the first and third components, the metallic carbonyl and the activating agent, may in some cases show catalytic activity which is, however, very low and a considerable amount of isomerization will frequently be observed. It is thus found that component 2, the ionic compound, is an essential part of the catalytic system when high yields of olefinic disproportionation products and low amounts of isomerization products are desired.

ln combining the various components of the catalytic system, atomic ratios of Group 1, II or III metal in the activator to the chromium, molybdenum or tungsten of the Group VI-B carbonyl compound should be between 20:l and 1:1, preferably between and 4:1. The molar ratio of chromium, molybdenum or tungsten to the ionic compound, should be between NH and 0. 1:], preferably between 5:1 and 0.5: l. Molar ratios ol- Group l-lll metal of the third component to the second component should be between 40:1 and 1.5: l preferably between 20:1 and 4:].

Any order of addition of components is permissible. The components are usually combined at temperatures which allow the formation of an active catalyst species. The temperature may range between about 35C. and 100C, preferably between 0C. and 80C. Pressures will vary between 0.1 atm. and 1000 atm. preferably 1 atm. and 100 atm. The three components usually react immediately; in some cases a short induction period of a few seconds to 1 minute is necessary.

The reaction proceeds most effectively within a solvent, the reacting olefin itself may act as a solvent; the solvent should be inert in nature and is preferably organic. Typical solvents which may be utilized are C,C, alkanes, C -C aromatics, C,C, haloalkanes, C,,C, haloaromatics and haloalkenes which have a halogen substituted on the double bond. Examples of solvents which may be used are pentane, hexane, decane, benzene, xylene, carbontetrachloride, dichloromethane, chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene.

Following the formation of the catalyst, suitable olefins may be added directly in order to commence the disproportionation reaction. The catalyst may, in fact, be generated in the presence of the reacting olefins.

The catalyst may also be deposited on an inert solid support such as silica or alumina.

The basic formula for the homo disproportionation of an olefin is as follows:

Reaetant A In the above reaction R,, R R and R may be selected from the group consisting of C, to C alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl or hydrogen; at least one of the group consisting of R,, R R and R, is an aryl radical or an RCH radical wherein R is an alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkaryl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl radical or a hydrogen atom. Additionally, halogenated derivatives of any of the preceding compounds may also be utilized provided that the halogen is more than two carbon atoms removed from the double bond.

More particularly, R,, R R and R may be selected from the group consisting of C, to C alkyl, C,, to C aryl including those aryls in which two aromatic rings are condensed, to (1,,, alkcnyl but not conjugated dienes to C alkaryls, to C, aralkyl, C to cycloalkyl, C, to C cycloalkenyl radicals provided that there are no conjugated double bonds within the cycloalkenyl radical or a hydrogen atom. Again, halogenated derivatives, preferably chlorine, of the previously mentioned radicals may be utilized providing the chlorine or halogen utilized is more than two carbons removed from the double bond.

As previously mentioned, at least one of the said R,, R R and R, must be an aryl radical or an R'CH radical wherein R is a C, to C alkyl, a C to C aryl, a C to C alkenyl, C to C alkaryl, a C to C aralkyl, a C to C cycloalkyl or a C, to C cycloalkenyl or a hydrogen atom. The most preferred values for R,, R R and R, are C, to C alkyls, C to C aryls and C to C alkenyls and hydrogen provided that at least one of said R,, R R and R is an aryl radical or an RCH radical and R is a C, to C alkyl, C,, to C aryl, and C to C alkenyl and hydrogen. Additionally, the catalyst of the instant invention is useful for cross disproportionation; by cross disproportionation it is meant those reactions in which a mixture of two different olefins is reacted to form at least one olefinic product. At least one of the products obtained is different of either of the reactants. The general concept of cross disporportionation is illustrated by the following formula:

Indicative of the homo disproportionation reaction and the products produced is the following Table.

TABLE Products B C Rs(R4) 0:0 R:4(R +C H HzCHzCHr-CHCHgCHzCH;

CHz=CHCHzCH=CHCHzCH=CHz In this case n is an integer varying from 2 to 30. The reverse of this reaction may also be carried out; thus one may employ an acyclic polyolefin as a starting material H=CH (CH2)m C H20 H414 CH (CH2)H CH and can obtain a cyclic mono 'or polyolefin and an acy- L L clic mono or polyolefin of lesser molecular weight than 5 i (JH the starting material as products.

The transformation of one or more cyclic monoor (01mm polyolefins in such a manner that a new cyclic polyene of higher molecular weight is produced. A general "P01130114" equation for such a reaction would be m In this case n and m are integers and may vary from 1 toh20 and may be either the same or different from each ot er. (CHM H (CHM CH ZZ In the above equations R through R, are selected T V i a Y. from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alka- In thls ease n and m are Integers Whleh y from 15 ryl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, halogen deriva- 2 30 and y y either be the same or differenttives of the aforesaid and hydrogen. It is preferred that h i UfldefSIOOd that in this reaction the Products ay R, through R. be selected from the group consisting ofreact further in a similar manner to form materials of C h h alkyl, C. to aryl, to alkenyl, higher mO Ccull C gh C to C alkaryl to aralkyl, (I to cycloalkyl The transformation of one or more acyclic polyolc- 30 and (l, to cycloalkcnyL halogen derivatives thcreol' fins so as to form cyclic monoor polyolclins and acypreferably chlorine. clic monoor polyolefins. A general equation for such Typical reactants and products which illustrate the a reaction would be: preceding reactions are as follows:

TABLE Reactants Products CHaCH2CH2CH=CHCH2CH2CH3 CH3CH=CHCH3 CHaCH2CH=CH2 CHaCH:CH2CH=CHCHa CHaCHzCH2CH=CHCH2CH3 -CII1C H CHz CI-IzCH=CHCHa -orr=om CHaOH CHCHa CIT: CH3

(lHuU CII-UIh-C-C Ha CHaCH CI-ICII:

K E ouron1 CHF CHCHZCI'hCHzCHzCIIzCU CH2 CH=CHCH3 CHIZCHCH3 CHF C H HCH:

CHa- CHz CHCHJ Reaction conditions in the above reactions are substantially identical to the reaction conditions utilized to form the Group VIB organometallic catalyst of the instant invention. That is to say, the reactants are contacted at temperatures of 35 to +150C., preferably to 80C. at pressures which may range from 0.1 and 1000 atm. and preferably 1 and 100 atm. Contact times will vary between 0.1 min. and several days, preferably between 0.2 and 24 hours. The reactants should be contacted in the liquid phase within an inert solvent, 4

preferably an organic inert solvent, or the reacting olefin itself may be employed as solvent. Typical solvents which may be utilized are the C to C alkanes, C to C aryls, halogenated C 1 to C alkanes, C to C haloaryls and certain haloalkenes. Specific examples of so]- vents include pentane, hexane, decane, benzene, xylene, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, chlorobenzene. A wide range of ratios of reactants to catalysts may be employed. Ratios of reactant to catalyst from 10:1 to 100,00011 on a molar basis may be used with preferred ratios of from 100:1 to 10,0001].

SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS EXAMPLE 1 Disproportionation of Pentene-l with a catalyst com-, prising M(C) /(n-C I-I NCl/(CH Al Cl wherein M Cr, Mo, W

In this example, 0.5 millimole each of chromium hexacarbonyl, molybdenum hexacarbonyl and tungsten hexacarbonyl were compared as the metal carbonyl complex of the catalyst. In each case the various metal hexacarbonyl and 0.25 millimole of tetra-nbutylammonium chloride were dissolved in 10 milliliters of chlorobenzene in a nitrogen-filled reaction flask. The reaction vessel consisted of a 100 ml round-bottom flask equipped with nitrogen inlet and a mercury check valve. The reaction mixture was stirred with a magnetic stirrer. Ten ml of pentene-lfollowed by 2 ml of a onemolar chlorobenzene solution of methylaluminum sesquichloride were introduced into the vessel. After two hours at ambient temperature and pressure, the reaction mixture was hydrolyzed by the addition of five ml. of methanol and distilled under a vacuum of about 2 mm Hg. into a receiver cooled with liquid nitrogen. Gas chromatographic analysis of the distillate gave the product distribution shown in Table I.

butylammonium chloride present, none of the metal carbonyls showed any disproportionation activity. The above table, Table 1, indicates that the tetra-nbutylammonium chloride is useful as a promoter for the disproportionation reaction. It was also observed that the Mo(CO) is far superior as an agent for disproportionation, achieving a disproportionation percentage of 71.5.

EXAMPLE 2 Disproportionation of Pentene-l with Mo(- COM/(C119 Al C1 and Various Ionic Halides as Component B The identical procedure to Example 1 was utilized in this example, except that the ionic halide, used as Component B, was varied. The several components which were utilized as Component B are included in Table 11 below. The results of the reactions after one hour at ambient temperature are shown below.

TABLE 11 Component B Pentene, Octene, Disprop.

Wt. I: Wt. "/1 l1 (n-C H-,) NCl 59.7 40.3 45.9 (n-C H) PCl* 97.8 2.2 2.7 (C.,H,,) AsClexH O 91.8 8.2 10.1

Reaction time was 2 hours No isomerization of pentene-l to pentene-2 is observed. 1

From Table II it is seen that (nC I-I NCI was more effective with a 1-hour reaction period than the other reactants. It should be noted, however, that (C H As- CloxH O was effective after 1 hour. From Examples 1 and 2 it can be seen that tetraalkylammonium chlorides are the ionic compounds most effective as a component in the catalyst.

EXAMPLE 3 In this example the disproportionation of pentene-l with the catalyst system LMo(CO) (nC H ).,NCl/(CH Al Cl was effected. L was varied in a manner indicated below. The reactions were conducted for a period of one hour under conditions identical to those designated in Example 1. The results are included hereinbelow in Table III.

TABLE III Pentene Octene Disprop. isomer. LMo(CO) Wt.% Wt.%

C H -,l'-IMo(CO): 37.7 62.3 67.4 0.3 C H,,NH Mo(CO) 45.9 54.1 59.5 0.7 NH Mo(CO),* 66.3 33.7 38.9 0.3 CH CNMo(CO) 53.7 46.3 52.2 1.2

*(n-C HmNCI was used as Component B.

Table III indicates that C I-I NMo(CO),-, produced the most effective results, i.e., a disproportionation percentage of 67.4.

EXAMPLE 4 Disproportionation of Pentene-l with (C H N) Mo(- CO )4/( 4 9 )4 s )2 2 4 0.5 millimole of (C H N) Mo(CO).,, 0.25 millimole of (n-C I-I NCI, 2 millimoles of methylaluminum dichloride and 10 ml. pentene-l in 12 ml. of chlorobenzene were reacted as in Example 1 for 1 hour at ambient temperature. The distillate obtained after hydrolysis of the reaction mixture showed 69.6 percent disproportionation and the presence of 35.4 wt. percent pentene and 64.6 wt. percent octene, as determined by gas chromatography.

EXAMPLE 5 hours only 7.6 percent disproportionation was observed.

EXAMPLE 6 Disproportionation of Pentene-l with Molybdenumtetracarbonyl and -Tricarbonyl Complexes In this example, 0.5 mM of various molybdenum tetracarbonyl or -tricarbonyl complexes were reacted as in Example 1 with 0.25 millimole (nC H ).,NCl, 2 ml of a one-molar chlorobenzene solution of methylaluminum sesquichloride and 10 ml of pentene-l in 10 ml of chlorobenzene. The reaction time was from one to five hours. The results are shown in Table N below.

EXAMPLE 9 Disproportionation of hexene-2.

Utilizing the same catalyst and conditions as in Example 7, except as otherwise indicated, 10 ml of hexene-2 were contacted with the catalyst for l hour at 80C. The resulting product was determined by gas chromatography, after hydrolysis, to comprise 52.7 wt. percent hexene-2 and 47.3 wt. percent octene-4. Bu tene-2 is removed from the solution and may be collected by condensation in a trap cooled with dry ice.

EXAMPLE l Disproportionation of Octadienel .7 with (C H N M- )4/( a 1)4 s)a z a 0.5 millimole of (n-C H NCl used. "0.25 millimole of complex and 0.5- millimole (n-C,H,,),NCI used.

From the above it is seen that the most desirable carbonyl complexes were (C H N Mo(CO) (ethylenediaminey Mo2(CO)6 and diacetyl dihydrozone M0(CO)4 which, give the highest percentages of disproportionation. namely 71.5, 73.1 and 84.0,

respectively.

EXAMPLE 7 Disproportionation of 3-methyl butene-l with s s )2 )4/(" 4 9)4l 1vcu cHa)s 2 3 In a manner identical to Example 1, except as indicated, 0.5 millimole of (pyridine) Mo(CO) 0.25-millimole of tetra-n-butylammonium chloride, 4 millimoles methylaluminum sesquichloride and 11 ml of 3- methylbutene-l in l2 ml of chlorobenzene were reacted for two hours at ambient temperature. The product was then hydrolyzed and recovered by distillation. Gas chromatographic analysis indicated a product composition of 93.7 wt. percent of 3-methylbutene-l and 6.3 wt. percent of 2,5-dimethylhexene-3for a 9.2 percent disproportionation.

EXAMPLE 8 Disproportionation of 4-phenylbutene-l In a manner identical to Example 7, 26.4 grams of 4- phenylbutene-l was reacted with 0.5 mM (pyridine) Mo(CO),, 0.25 mM of tetra-n-butylammonium chloride and 4 mM of methylaluminum sesquichloride in 12 mlchlorobenzene for 1% hours. Hydrolysis and separation of the reaction products by distillation resulted in the recovery of 8.0 grams of 4-phenylbutene-l and 12.6 grams of l,6-diphenylhexene-3, or 54 percent disproportionation.

In this example, 0.5 millimole of (pyridine) Mo(- CO) 0.25 millimole of (n-C H NC1, 4 millimoles of methylaluminum sesquichloride and 10 ml octadienel, 7 in 10 ml chlorobenzene were reacted in a manner identical to Example 1, except as indicated, for 1 hour at ambient temperature. The liquid reaction product as determined by CC. of the distillate consists exclusively of cyclohexene, indicating a 100 percent conversion.

EXAMPLE 1 l Disproportionation of Cis-decene-S and ethylene in this example, 1.0 millimole of (pyridine) Mo(- CO).,, 0.5 millimole of (nC.,I-l NC1 and 8 millimoles methylaluminum sesquichloride were added to 38 ml of cis-decene-S in mlof chlorobenzene. The mixture was reacted under 800 psi of ethylene pressure in a 300 ml stainless steel autoclave for 3 hours. The resulting reaction product, which was recovered as in Example l by hydrolysis of the reaction mixture and distillation, was determined by gas chromatography to be 94.0 wt. percent decene-S and 6.0 wt. percent hexenel, indicating 5.1 percent disproportionation.

EXAMPLE 12 Disproportionation of Pentene-l with Mo(CO) /(n- C l-l NCl/(CH A1 Cl on Al O 5.0 grams of chromatographic grade, activated alumina, having an to 200 mesh, were impregnated with a solution of 2.0 millimoles of Mo(CO) and 1.0 millimole of (nC H NCl in ml of chlorobenzene. The solvent, chlorobenzene, was removed at ambient temperature by means of reduced pressure which was about 2 mm Hg. Then 20 ml of pentene-l, 20 ml of chlorobenzene and 8 millimoles of methylaluminum sesquichloride were added using the same procedure as in Example 1. After 2 hours of reacting at ambient temperature, the reaction product recovered as in Example 1, consistedof 60.2 wt. percent pentene and 29.8 wt. percent of octene was determined by G.C. for 45.2 percent disporportionation.

EXAMPLE l3 Disproportionation of Cyclopentene 1n the same manner as in Example 1, except as otherwise indicated, 0.5 mM (pyridine) Mo(CO).,, 0.5 mM (nC H ),NCl, 50 ml of cyclopentene and 4 mM methylaluminum sesquichloride in 50 ml of chlorobenzene are reacted at ambient temperature for 5 hours. The resulting viscous solution is poured into two liters of methanol; about 6 grams of a rubber-like polymer are obtained.

What is claimed is:

l. A process for the disproportionation of olefins which comprises contacting a feedstream containing at least one olefin capable of being disporportionated with a catalyst which is prepared by contacting within a solvent, a metallic complex having the formula L M,, (CO) wherein L is selected from the group consisting of CO, R Q, R QO, (RO) Q, RNl-l R Nl-l, RCN, R 80, R N-CN, R P=NCN, R P==NH, R P=CHCH R Q-Q z, 2 2 2 2 QR R-ZR Z--R, R--ZR Z--R -ZR.

pound of the general formula R,M a mixture of one of several compounds having a formula R,M'X',, with one of the various compounds having the formula R",.AlX' and AlX' wherein R" is selected from the group consisting of C,C hydrocarbyl radicals and the alkoxy and halo derivatives thereof, M is a metal selected from the Groups I through III of the Periodic Table of Elements, X is halogen, e is equal to l or 2, f is an integer between 1 and 3, and g is 0, l or 2, under disproportionation conditions and recovering of at least one disproportionated product.

2. The process of claim 1 wherein said contacting takes place in the presence of a solvent or excess olefin.

8. The process of claim 3 wherein said olefin is 1,7-

' octadiene.

9. The process of claim 3 wherein said olefin which is disproportionated has the formula R (R )C=CR (R wherein R R R and R, are independently selected RC=NX A I Ran. Rann R... E i, it i II a i" \NAN/ I 111 i I a. Q Rn N a ik- 20 cat-QR:

N/ C W wherein Q isselected from the group consisting of N, P, As and Sb; Z is selected from the group consisting of O and S; X is selected from the group consisting of NR OH, OR and R; R is selected from the group consisting of C to C hydrocarbyl and hydrogen radicals; and R is selected from the group consisting of divalent C to C hydrocarbyl radicals; n is an integer of from 0 to 2; M is a Group VI-B metal selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mo and W; a may vary from 1 to 4; b may vary from 1 to 2; and c may vary from 2 to 10, with an ionic compound, said ionic compound being selected from the group consisting of compounds having the general formula R Q'X', R' ZX', (R' Q')(AlR' X' (R' Z)(AlR X' d), mixtures of R' Q'X' or R ZX with AlR' X and mixtures thereof wherein R is selected from the group consisting of C to C hydrocarbyl radicals and halogenated derivatives thereof, Q is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorous and arsenic, Z is selected from the group consisting of oxygen and sulfur, X is halogen and d may vary from 0 to 3, and said ionic compound being at least partially soluble in said solvent and an activator, said activator comprising an organometallic derivative selected from the group consisting of compounds having the general formula R"..AlX' a mixture of the above compound with a compound having the general formula AlX';,. a comfrom the group consisting of C to C alkyl, C to C aryl, C to C alkenyl, C to C alkaryl, C to C aralkyl, C to C cycloalkyl, C to C cycloalkenyl radicals and halogenated derivatives thereof wherein said halogen is more than two carbons removed from a double bond and at least one of R R R and R is a C to C aryl radical or an R'-Cl-l radical wherein R is selected from the group consisting of C to C alkyl, C to C aryl, C to C alkenyl, C to C alkaryl, C to C aralkyl, C to C cycloalkenyl radicals.

10. The process of claim 9 wherein the temperature is 0 to C., the pressure is l to atmospheres and the contact time is 0.2 to 24 hours.

11. The process of claim 9 wherein a mixture of two olefins is cross disproportionated.

12. The process of claim 11 wherein said mixture comprises cis-decene-l and ethylene.

13. The process of claim 9 wherein a mixture of acyclic mono or polyolefins and a cyclic mono or polyolefin is contacted to form a new acyclic polyolefin.

14. The process of claim 9 wherein one or more cyclic mono or polyolefin is contacted to form a cyclic polyene.

15. The process of claim 9 wherein one or more acyclic polyolefins are contacted to form cyclic or acyclic mono or polyolefins. 

2. The process of claim 1 wherein said contacting takes place in the presence of a solvent or excess olefin.
 3. The process of claim 1 wherein said disproportionation is a homo disproportionation.
 4. The process of claim 3 wherein said olefin is pentene-1.
 5. The process of claim 3 whereIn said olefin is 3-methylbutene-
 6. The process of claim 3 wherein said olefin is 4-phenylbutene-
 7. The process of claim 3 wherein said olefin is hexene-2.
 8. The process of claim 3 wherein said olefin is 1,7-octadiene.
 9. The process of claim 3 wherein said olefin which is disproportionated has the formula R1(R2)C CR3(R4) wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of C1 to C40 alkyl, C6 to C20 aryl, C2 to C30 alkenyl, C7 to C20 alkaryl, C7 to C20 aralkyl, C3 to C20 cycloalkyl, C3 to C20 cycloalkenyl radicals and halogenated derivatives thereof wherein said halogen is more than two carbons removed from a double bond and at least one of R1, R2, R3, and R4 is a C6 to C20 aryl radical or an R''-CH2 radical wherein R'' is selected from the group consisting of C1 to C40 alkyl, C6 to C20 aryl, C2 to C20 alkenyl, C7 to C20 alkaryl, C3 to C20 aralkyl, C3 to C20 cycloalkenyl radicals.
 10. The process of claim 9 wherein the temperature is 0* to 80*C., the pressure is 1 to 100 atmospheres and the contact time is 0.2 to 24 hours.
 11. The process of claim 9 wherein a mixture of two olefins is cross disproportionated.
 12. The process of claim 11 wherein said mixture comprises cis-decene-1 and ethylene.
 13. The process of claim 9 wherein a mixture of acyclic mono or polyolefins and a cyclic mono or polyolefin is contacted to form a new acyclic polyolefin.
 14. The process of claim 9 wherein one or more cyclic mono or polyolefin is contacted to form a cyclic polyene.
 15. The process of claim 9 wherein one or more acyclic polyolefins are contacted to form cyclic or acyclic mono or polyolefins. 